Oregon establishes another first with Wine Country specialty license plates

Earlier this year, Oregon became the first state in the nation
to offer motorists a specialty license plate to celebrate its wine
industry. Oregon's Wine Country license plate is off to a strong
start with more than 2,000 sold within the first six months of
availability. The special license plates were approved by the
Oregon Legislature in the 2010 session and went on sale through the
Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles in May.

The plate depicts a pastoral vineyard scene of green vines,
rolling hills and blue sky. The design captures the essence of the
best aspects about visiting an Oregon vineyard.

Purchasing the plates

The fee for the plate is $54 per set ($30 surcharge + $24 plate
fee). The $30 surcharge is due at issuance and at every renewal. It
is the same for both two-year and four-year (new vehicle)
registration periods. Funds from the sale of the plates go to
support Oregon culinary and wine tourism and is administered by
the Oregon
Tourism Commission.

The Oregon Wine Board is working with Travel Oregon, Oregon's
tourism promotion agency, to develop a promotional campaign to
raise awareness and boost sales of the license plates. The campaign
will include envelope stuffers that can be used in license plate
renewal notices and point of sale brochures for use in the state's
hundreds of tasting rooms.